Gondola’s movie star appeal attracted a number of film crews and TV personalities in April and May. She starred alongside Penelope Keith in Hidden Villages, with John Sergeant in an episode of the Secret Life of Books and finally with Paul Martin on Flog It. We were hoping Hollywood would come calling, but as he's off to Channel 4 we'll settle for Mel and Sue and Mary Berry. A Great British Bake Off challenge on Gondola would be quite something to see, although our firebox might be a little too hot as an oven.
Talking of Hollywood, Gondola didn’t feature in this year’s new Swallows and Amazons film (although she was used by Arthur Ransome as the inspiration for Captain Flint’s houseboat), but Coniston did feature quite prominently as the location for Houseboat Bay, Island Camp and Secret Harbour in the film.